The Guntersville Wildcats seized control of their destiny in the Class 4A, Region 6 playoff race by defeated unbeaten and 10th-ranked Sardis 35-13 Friday (Oct. 4).

The host Wildcats improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the region standings by winning their fourth consecutive game. Sardis dropped to 5-1 and 3-1.

The Lions and Wildcats are tied for second in the standings behind leader Oneonta. Guntersville now owns the tiebreaker over Sardis.

GHS controlled both lines of scrimmage. The ‘Cats’ ground game rolled up 405 yards, powered by Jordan Bentley with 26 carries for 173 yards. He also scored his 19th and 20th touchdowns of the season.

Quarterback Gunner Lemons ran 15 times for 134 yards, and Lee Menefee rushed four times for 82 yards and three touchdowns.

Guntersville’s defense turned up the pressure on Sardis quarterback Will Scott, never allowing him to establish a rhythm. Scott finished 13-of-23 in passing for 139 yards and a touchdown. Brett Rains had six catches for 94 yards.

Sardis managed just 100 yards on the ground, led by Keenan Lewis with 13 carries for 84 yards.

Menefee took a handoff and dashed 68 yards for his first touchdown with 7:59 left in the opening period. Edson Jaramillo kicked it to 7-0.

Sardis answered with its only scoring drive. The Lions moved 60 yards in seven plays, capped by Scott’s 45-yard TD pass to Rains.

Ernesto Cordova burst through the line and blocked the extra point, leaving GHS in front 7-6 with 4:37 remaining in the first period.